Got a Dx

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Several months ago I posted here (i don't post much, just lurk) and I asked what people thought about my seeking out a Clinical Psychologist to be evaluated for Autism/Aspergers. Given that I was 64 yo at the time some people said 'why bother?' though others were more positive.

Fast forward --> I went to a specialist in diagnosing and treating both children and adults who have ASD. I went through several (very expensive) hours of testing and her conclusion was that I am on the spectrum and have been since childhood.

She said she was very sorry that all the previous therapists i have seen in my life were so...cough cough..incompetent....cough....and that it was pretty obvious to her from the first time I walked into her office. (although the tests were absolutely necessary to document it)

So, now I'm 65 yo. I feel better for having gone through it and now I have something to say to the people (there have been many, some in my own family) who categorically state that I couldn't possibly have Autism. How and why they think that I can't imagine.

My advice to anyone thinking of getting looked at by a specialist: do it. even if you are not on the spectrum it will put you a step closer to figuring out what is really wrong and getting proper treatment.

Jim

I agree.

I agree to getting seen by a specialist - but it's not always that easy/easier said that done.

In England, services for adults seem few and far between - I've had to be referred outside my area (Clinical Commissioning Group), and it's take four years, three GPs, a cognitive behavioural therapist, a community psychiatric nurse and a counsellor. I had a clinical psychologist ten years ago (two, in fact) but they were both useless and didn't even pick up on my crippling anxiety.

But it shouldn't stop people fighting for assessment.

The problem with private assessment/Dx in this country is that the NHS isn't always willing to accept it and will make it hard for you to receive appropriate services. Not to mention the cost of private medical stuff is extortionate.

Getting my assessment this week.

Even if I don't get a Dx, I guess I'll be one step closer to knowing what's really going on.

Ah that's good that you finally know what's up about you

Glad that you finally know. I am in the process right now in my 40's. There are no specialists in my area of California. Thinking about traveling to a bigger city like LA for this.

It's a good feeling when you know what you've got.

Thanks for the replies, and good luck to you all in your search for self-knowledge.

Jim

Congratulations. You put in the time and energy and overcame doubters to get to this point, not something to be underestimated.

The last paragraph is very important and often overlooked. As a regular poster I have seen a lot of members who do not get a diagnosis or go into panic during the assesement process out fear of finding out they are not autistic. They fear after having put in a lot of time, effort and money and thinking they have finally found out who they are, they will have start from scratch. But most searches for the truth involve ruling out possibilities.

Adult disclosure of autism is all to often not believed because people and as you have painfully found out that includes professionals that have dated and stereotyped views of what autism is. That is because as late as 2012 only 1 to 2 percent of Autism funds go into research and supports for Adult Autism. Things like natural maturation, and years of exuasitive constant efforts to "pretend to be normal" are not taken into consideration. Therefore people think if you are not like Rain Man, need constant support, or you do a have a job or relationship etc you can not be autistic.